“Shame Them” Into Negotiating Again

This email effort by a producer who asks me not to publish his name has spread like wild fire through not only the film tracking boards but also into the television world. (I’ve just been told that IATSE is doing something very similar):

“This might seem a little out there but I think it’s worth a shot. I’ve found myself really emotionally affected by the collateral damage this strike is taking (and so much more quickly than I think any of us anticipated) so I’m going to try and do something:

We’re collecting names of people who have lost their jobs (if someone doesn’t want to be on this list, of course please respect that), where they worked, and what their position was. Once it’s reached a decent number, this list will be paired with a letter to Patric Verrone and Nick Counter DEMANDING they get back into a room and resume negotiating immediately (and not emerge until there is an agreement) for the sake of those losing their jobs. They can negotiate while picketing continues and there’s no reason massive documents of whole new proposals have to be drawn up before they go back into a room and speak like adults. It will say NOTHING regarding the points of the strike. Just: Go. Back. To. Negotiating. All of these peoples’ jobs, rent, student loans, lives, have been destroyed.

The plan is to CC the letter and the list of names to Nikki Finke and hopefully Patrick Goldstein or the like after that. Each day as we get more names on the list, we’ll send the letter and list again. And again. Hopefully shaming them and making it impossible to ignore. Please forward this to anyone that might have lost their job and tell them they can email me directly. We’ll see what happens.

There is no excuse for not negotiating even while the strike continues – there is too much financial and family security at stake for both writers and others affected by the strike (I don’t include the CEO’s in that).

But this time, let’s have a mediator present who actually does something: like bear witness to whether Nick Counter has any integrity whatsoever, and avoid whatever happened on Sunday night, when the Guild’s offer to compromise and remove the DVD issue from the table in return for a quid pro quo re: the internet, left us absolutely screwed!

Karen • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Great idea, other than the fact that it assumes Nick Counter has a heart.

I love this idea, because it’s something our sensationalist news sources can and will latch onto. I’d even suggest the people who add their names to the “lost jobs” list also include how many kids they’ve got, if any.

It’d be unsettling to see an evolving account of how many people in various positions are out of work and how many children are affected (just before the holidays, no less). I think the “kids” element would make it more newsworthy than it’s apparently been deemed thus far.

curious • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Who do we send the names to? My whole crew is done the end of the week.

sad poker player • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Sending such a letter is based upon the false assumption that studio heads are capable of feeling empathy for a working man or woman who has lost his/her job. They are not. Iger, Chernin and Moonves will see a list of the unemployed as confirmation that they are winning. An important part of their strategy is to maximize the collateral damage and blame it on the WGA. The more people that lose their jobs the greater their success.

Producers with conscience • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

The list is a great idea, as long as the writers take charge of it and don’t let AMPTP twist the list around on the writers, blaming them for lost jobs

And, it would be great to turn the list into a franchise: a list for the Iraq war victims -killed/injured/families, a list for the housing industry mortgage fraud victims, and so on.

a writer • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

The WGA has a proposal on the table. Our negotiating committee is ready to return to the table. But we can’t negotiate with ourselves.

Tell the companies to get back to negotiations. We’re waiting for them.

Organizers • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

The email address is getbackinthatroom@yahoo.com please send: name, where you worked, and position there and please urge anyone you know to do the same. We hope to have the first stage ready very soon.

Concenred • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

I agree — the studios don’t seem to be run by cuddly, bleeding heart, care bears of capitalist warm-n’-fuzziness.

I agree with Alexander, I think it was — I want to see at least the planning for negotiations happening. If personalities and personal hatreds are getting in the way, we really need to get an outside force involved or new personalities at the helm on both sides. The issues are vital, and it would suck if personal b.s. is in any way preventing a swift conclusion to this madness.

Anonymous • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

as an IATSE member for over 30 years I have lived through several strikes in the past. All solved by negotiation. That can’t be done unless you are at the table. I suggest the WGA go back to the table and sit there and wait until the AMPTP shows up.Show your willingness to negotiate. We are all in this together. We can’t do what we do without you(WGA)and what you do are words on paper without us and SAG.The AMPTP needs all of us to profit from the overall product. We support what you are asking for, but, please don’t screw all of us to get it! GO BACK TO THE TABLE!! Do whatever it takes, the Mayor, the Govenator, or the ghost of Lew Wasserman.
by IA GUY

Jessy S. • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Great idea Nikki, but remember that not negotiating during a strike is the AMPTP’s current mantra.

If you want to let Nikki know, click on the link that says email Nikki and type away.

This might actually get some momentum, if someone would actually publish an email or a website where the names are being compliled. Without that, this is more hot air.

WGA Writer with Business Sense • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

I keep bringing this up to people and wish someone would take action.

Nick Counter’s public statements that he won’t return to the table until the strike is suspended are a clear violation of Federal Labor Law, the Taft Hartley act to be specific.

It is against Federal law to refuse to negotiate with striking workers. Those who refuse to do so can face fines, and jail terms.

Why is the WGA not simply going to a Federal Judge and getting an injunction forcing the AMPTP back to the bargaining table?

Why are we acting like we are somehow different than any other industry?

If a negotiator for a big auto maker did this he would get an injunction slapped on him in a Detroit minute. Why is the WGA not taking action?

Shaun • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Dear AMPTP from a soon to be out of work PA.

Come back to the table. It’s not like the WGA is asking you to get down on your Dis(knees) and beg them to come back. (some would say they could). Also, the WGA also isn’t asking you for 20(th)% of new media; just a measly 2.5%.

Come on AMPTP, the WGA knows you know the ABC’s of negotiating, they give a little – you give a little. They gave a lot on Sunday; you didn’t give at all. The WGA can (NB)Cee what you’re doing, you’re mad and you want to cut off the WGA’s head and (Para)mount it on your wall.

In the end aren’t you all, AMPTP and WGA (Warner) Brothers in all this? I’m sorry AMPTP, but you’re being the “ Universal dick” of an older brother who won’t share his Halloween candy.

Or how about this, the WGA is like your Son(y). Yeah, he’s pissing you off because he’s being rebellious but that’s what sons do. You gave him a beat down 20 years ago with home video, and he’s learned from that lesson and won’t let it happen again. Deep down, where you’ll never admit it, aren’t you just a little proud that he’s no slouch? (CB)yeS? No? gotcha. Can’t look weak in front of anybody.

Everybody realizes it’s time for a New Line in this town, but you want to stick with the old one.

(Sorry CW…I got nothin’ for ya. But you’re used to it)

Big O • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Where is the petition? Myself and the entire crew have been out of work since Monday. Where do we sign?

WGAE member • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

I feel deeply for any and all crew members who are losing their jobs. But isn’t it already clear that the WGA is perfectly willing to talk? It’s the AMPTP which has refused. And isn’t it also perfectly clear that the AMPTP doesn’t care about any individual person’s rights or personal welfare? They represent the big monolithic corporations which is all about the BOTTOM LINE and maintaining the wealth of the already wealthy top executives. If the AMPTP doesn’t care about the writers who create their valuable content, why would they care about the grips and gaffers and wardrobe assistants?

Anne BenderAnne Bender • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Where’s George Clooney?

ifwestrikeletsmakeitcount • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

We are not at the table RIGHT NOW because of the AMPTP alone. So, as a WGA member, I’m a bit put off by being lumped in with the AMPTP as if both sides are belligerent children. We showed up in good faith in the eleventh hour. We took off the table what we promised (and which we now, I’m sure, regret). Not only did they not respond in kind, they walked out because writers on the East Coast weren’t woken from their sleep and told not to picket in 8 hours. Please. Send that list of people with lost jobs to Nick Counter alone.

aa • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

there is a petition to sign on the United Hollywood website, pushing 20,000 signatures already

Writing Partner of a WGA Member • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

It’s clear from the comments here and elsewhere that for the WGA to retain, and continue to gain, the support of the other industry unions and the below-the-line folks so horribly affected by the strike, they need to not only SAY they want to go back to the table, they should literally BE back at the table. People say “the AMPTP doesn’t want to go back to the table.” Prove it, and show it. Have a NegCom member in a conference room round-the clock – take it in shifts – get press stills and video, someone even suggested a webcam – waiting for the AMPTP to sit down with them. It’s not desperation, it’s commitment to the idea of continuing negotiations. SHOW everyone whom the strike is affecting that you’re ready and willing to talk, and the AMPTP isn’t showing up. Seems simple, and effective, no?

seriously • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

this was not started by a producer. this was written by an assistant outraged at all the non-guild members losing their jobs during the strike, including himself. he’s jason katim’s assistant at friday night lights. wishful thinking that someone higher up would give a damn.

overqualified underemployed • on Nov 9, 2007 1:54 am

Why are we acting like we are somehow different than any other industry?

If a negotiator for a big auto maker did this he would get an injunction slapped on him in a Detroit minute. Why is the WGA not taking action?

Comment by WGA Writer with Business Sense — November 9, 2007

because this is different than any other industry. this is the same industry that FORCES assistants to work slave-like overtime at agencies until someone at the agency sues for their rights.

it’s also the same industry that has seen me, an average looking fellow with a long resume; lose out on cherry jobs to super attractive women with no qualifications ‘just because they wanted a hot girl’

don’t believe me? Check out the ‘industry eyes only’ joblists. you will see ‘women preferred’ and ‘please send picture’ all over the place. 1000% illegal anywhere else. In Hollywood it’s just how it is. If you don’t like it, enjoy being blacklisted.